Astronauts from SARs in training

The two astronauts selected from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions have completed a series of classes and field training exercises in preparation of their debut flight, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The spokesman for the agency, Zhang Jingbo, said at a news conference on Thursday morning at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China that since starting their training at the Astronaut Center of China in Beijing, the two astronauts have quickly integrated into the team, with all of their training programs progressing smoothly.

"At present, they have completed theoretical courses about spaceflight knowledge and have taken basic training in physical fitness, psychology and adaptation to the space environment as per schedule. During this period, they have also accomplished challenging training operations such as desert survival and launch-site emergency evacuation drills. They are now undergoing professional technical training related to space missions," Zhang said.

He said that their professional skills are improving steadily, and that their physical and psychological qualities, including pressure resistance, have been significantly enhanced.

"Both of them are in a good state," Zhang said. "In the next phase, we will arrange for them to undergo intensive training to ensure they meet all spaceflight requirements. We look forward to their debut mission."

China began selecting its fourth generation of astronauts in October 2022 and announced the completion of the process in June 2024. Ten astronauts were chosen: eight spacecraft pilots and two science payload specialists.

Both payload specialists were selected from Hong Kong and Macao, marking the first time residents from the two regions have joined the nation's astronaut team.

In another development, Zhang said that the initial round of selection of Pakistani astronauts is now underway in the Islamic nation, while the second and final rounds will take place in China.

After the selection process, two Pakistani astronauts will receive training in China, and one of them will fly with Chinese astronauts to the Tiangong space station and work there for a short period of time as a mission payload specialist, he added.

On Feb 28, the China Manned Space Agency and Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission signed an agreement in Islamabad, opening bilateral cooperation to select and train Pakistani astronauts before sending one of them to the Tiangong space station.

In addition to Pakistan, other countries have also approached China to ask for opportunities for their nationals to partake in missions onboard the Tiangong, Chinese space officials said.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn